Sindh Bans 143 Ulema and Zakireen for 60 Days

KARACHI: As part of heightened security measures for the upcoming month of Muharram, the Sindh government has implemented a 60-day ban on 143 ulema and zakireen, effective immediately.

The ban, which restricts their travel and public speaking, was announced on Saturday and will remain in place until the end of the 60-day period.

According to a notification issued by the Sindh Home Department, this decision was made on the recommendation of the Inspector General of Police. The affected ulema and zakireen are from 13 different districts.

The Home Department emphasized that the ban is a preventive measure in light of potential law and order concerns during Muharram.

Muharram, one of the four sacred months in Islam, marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar. It is a time of significant religious observance, commemorating the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA), the grandson of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAWW), and his family.

During Muharram, processions and majalis (gatherings) are held across the country, with religious scholars addressing large audiences. To ensure security during these events, thousands of law enforcement personnel are deployed.

In addition to the ban on ulema and zakireen, provincial governments have requested the suspension of six social media applications for about a week during Muharram.

This measure aims to prevent the spread of hate material and misinformation, which could compromise security.

The Punjab government has particularly highlighted concerns about the spread of hate speech and misinformation on social media. A letter from the Punjab Home Department indicated that a meeting of the Standing Committee of the Cabinet on Law and Order reviewed security arrangements for Muharram. During this meeting, it was decided to suspend platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram from Muharram 6 to 11 to mitigate the risk of sectarian violence.

However, the federal government has not yet made a decision regarding the suspension of internet services during Muharram, according to a spokesperson for the Ministry of Interior.

In a related development, the central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee will convene in Quetta on Saturday to sight the crescent of Muharram (1446 Hijri). The meeting will be presided over by Committee Chairman Moulana Abdul Khabir Azad, with simultaneous meetings of zonal and district Ruet-e-Hilal Committees at their respective headquarters.

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